Virginia

explore like never before

Get Custom Travel guides packed with local tips
Nature|National & State Parks

The Coolest Visitor Center In Virginia Has A Nature Exhibit And A Nearby Hiking Trail

Dickey Ridge Visitor Center in Shenandoah National Park offers amenities, hiking recommendations, and educational exhibits.

Updated Jul 30, 2024

Written by 

Beth Copenhaver

Shenandoah National Park in Virginia is famous for its breathtaking mountain views, wooded trails, and unique history. But there's another reason we love this park: it also offers incredible amenities, including its two visitor centers. Today, we'll focus on one in particular known as Dickey Ridge Visitor Center.

Welcome to Dickey Ridge Visitor Center! It's located near Front Royal, Virginia, at mile 4.6 of Skyline Drive.

Sign for Dickey Ridge Visitor Center with directions to picnic grounds, surrounded by bare trees and blue sky.
David Lieu / Google Reviews

If you're arriving from the Front Royal Entrance Station, you'll be delighted to find such a convenient stop for information, maps, restrooms, and more.

advertisement
A large, rustic building with a thatched roof, surrounded by trees and a grassy field under a blue sky.
Kristen vdM / Google Reviews

Whether it's your first visit to Shenandoah or you're a frequent explorer, you can always learn something new about the park. Stop by the center for hiking trail recommendations from the park ranger on duty.

A rustic restroom building with stone accents and a covered entrance, surrounded by trees and blue sky.
Ben Bowdoin / Google Reviews

And speaking of hiking trails, there's one right across the road!

A sunny path through a lush green field, with two people walking in the distance among tall plants and trees.
Jim Johnson / AllTrails

Fox Hollow Trail is a popular hike that offers both forested seclusion and sweeping views of the valley.

A serene landscape at sunset, featuring rolling hills, trees, and a colorful sky with soft clouds.
Jeremy Pelto / Google Reviews

Traveling with the kiddos? They'll love learning more about the park's unique ecology and wildlife. There's an interactive discovery center as well as interpretive exhibits that will spark the curiosity of all ages.

Exhibit showcasing a forest theme with informational panels, nature graphics, and a display area in a wooden setting.
David Lieu / Google Reviews

So whether you plan on stretching your legs or simply admiring the view for a bit, you'll be glad you pulled off at this lovely little visitor center in Virginia.

advertisement
A serene landscape at sunset, featuring bare trees and rolling hills in the distance under a colorful sky.
Karam Idris / Google Reviews

Have you ever stopped at Dickey Ridge Visitors Center? Do you agree that it's one of the best visitor centers in Virginia? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments section -- we'd love to hear from you!

Check the National Park Service website for up-to-date info on this Shenandoah National Park visitors center. Don't forget to check out our ultimate hiking packing list before you tackle a few of the epic hikes in the park!

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature|National & State Parks

The Most Iconic View in Virginia Is Also a Stunning Slice of History

Virginia's Grand Canyon is more than just an awe-inspiring wonder; its history runs deep.

Published Nov 13, 2024

Written by 

Beth Copenhaver

There are so many postcard-worthy overlooks in Virginia that it can be easy to take them for granted. But there are a few that will catch your breath every time, no matter how long you've lived here. The view of Breaks Interstate Park is one of them. By all accounts, it's one of the most epic views in Virginia right up there with McAfee Knob and Molly's Knob. But as is true of many beautiful places in Virginia, there's more there than meets the eye. The history of the region is vast and like the river-carved canyon, it runs quite deep.

advertisement
alt
K e v i n / Flickr

Breaks Interstate Park is characterized by unspoiled Appalachian wilderness, complete with vast woods and rare species. The canyon itself is a true work of art; it's carved in almost a perfect loop by the Russell Fork River. Plus, it's one of the deepest in the Eastern United States, earning the nickname "The Grand Canyon of the South."

In 1767, Daniel Boone located an unexpected break in the 125-mile stretch of Pine Mountain, thus naming the area "the Breaks." Of course, the passage had long been used by Native Americans. When you visit the park, be sure to stop by the Visitor's Center, which offers more details about the culture and history of the landscape. You'll have the opportunity to view artifacts and tools from early settlements.

alt
Virginia State Parks / Flickr

As you continue exploring the park, it becomes obvious that the land has a story to tell. And there are many ways to engage with the stunning surroundings, ranging from epic hiking trails to breathtaking overlooks, wildlife tours, and even zip lining. For those who just have a few hours to spare, we'd recommend hiking the Breaks Interstate Loop Trail. It's a challenging three miles, but the views are worth the effort.

Another must? Elk tours. The eastern elk has been reintroduced to the area, thanks to conservation efforts, and visitors can be transported by bus to a Virginia Elk Restoration zone. Tours are offered during select dates in March, April, May, August, September, and October, and reservations are required.

Have you ever visited Breaks Interstate Park? Share this article with a fellow history and outdoor enthusiast! Learn more about planning an unforgettable trip to Breaks Interstate Park by visiting the official website. For related content, be sure to take a look at our list of the most beautiful natural wonders in Virginia.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature|National & State Parks

Virginia’s Most Popular State Park, Grayson Highlands is Even More Stunning During the Winter

Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia transforms into a magical winter wonderland with wild ponies, snowy peaks, and scenic trails.

Updated Nov 4, 2024

Written by 

Beth Copenhaver

It's true that winter is often the season for staying indoors, cozying up by the fire, and reflecting on the year ahead—and yet there are so many beautiful outdoor attractions that we'd argue are even more magical during the wintertime. So if you're up for an exhilarating and wintery adventure, we have just the place in mind. Grayson Highlands, Virginia's highest-rated state park, promises to be a winter wonderland this time of year. At a high elevation of over 5,000 feet, this park is surrounded by gorgeous mountain vistas and the Grayson Highlands weather can create scenes like you've never seen. If you can't make the trip, the following photos will show you just how magical a Grayson Highlands winter can be during the off-season. Let's explore one of the best state parks in Virginia in the winter.

advertisement

Wild mountain ponies, snowy peaks, Fraser firs, and fresh air—these are just a handful of things that make Grayson Highlands State Park such a magical winter destination.

alt
Getty Images / Eifel Kreutz / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Grayson Highlands is Virginia's highest-altitude park, and just next door inside the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area is the tallest peak in the state, Mount Rogers. If you plan on hiking within the park, preparation is essential. Weather can change quickly up in the mountains, so it's necessary to bundle up with plenty of warm, dry layers.

You'll likely encounter the majestic residents of Grayson Highlands: the wild ponies. Seeing these creatures is a hallmark experience of visiting this state park, but you'll need to respect them.

Help keep the ponies safe by keeping your distance, refraining from feeding them, and avoiding startling them. There are plenty of trails to enjoy within the park, and one of the most scenic is Wilburn Ridge via the Appalachian Trail.

A rocky path leads through a grassy landscape with sparse trees under a blue sky with wispy clouds.
Joelle Corey/AllTrails

You might even get to see a little snowfall while you're up there! So whether you're planning a hike, picnic, or just a quick stroll in the great outdoors, you'll be glad you chose Grayson Highlands as your winter outdoor destination.

alt
Getty Images / Shaun Aigner-Lee / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Visit the Grayson Highlands State Park website or the Grayson Highlands Facebook page for the most current updates.

Have you ever experienced a Grayson Highlands winter? What did you think? We'd love to hear all about your experiences in the comments. If you love hiking around and exploring beautiful places like this, check out some of the best hiking trails in Virginia. And be sure to take a look at our list of outdoor essentials before your next great adventure.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Nature
Hiking

The Iconic Trail in Colorado Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

by Lisa Sammons
on Nov 14
alt
Nature
Hiking

The Iconic Trail in Alaska Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

by Jackie Sutherlin
on Nov 14
alt
Nature
Hiking

The Iconic Trail in Montana Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

by Courtnie Erickson
on Nov 14
alt
Nature
Hiking

Skip the Crowds: Explore Illinois’s 5 Quietest Trails and Parks This Month

by Tori Jane
on Nov 14
alt
Nature
Wildlife & Farms

The Audubon Center in Kansas Where You’ll See Dozens of Bird Species in a Single Afternoon

by Trent Jonas
on Nov 13
alt